History of Troy

Troy: A Study in Change and Growth

The City of Troy was first settled in the 1820s by pioneers who emigrated from the state of New York. Some came by wagon through Ohio, while others reached Detroit via the Erie Canal and Great Lakes and then trekked overland to what would become Troy Township. The new settlers cleared the forests and sowed their crops. By the 1880s Troy Township was known for its excellent corn, wheat, melons and other fruits as well as wool and dairy products.

While the farms were successful, a downtown business district was not developed. Troy lacked sufficient hydropower to operate lumber or gristmills. The Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad was routed through Detroit, Royal Oak and Pontiac, and bypassed tiny Troy Corners at Square Lake Road and Livernois. The Detroit United Railroad or interurban did provide electric trolley service through the community between 1898 and 1931.

Commercial and industrial development reached Oakland County after World War II. The City of Troy was established as a home rule city in 1955 and during the next 25 years, the community experienced extraordinary growth. Today, Troy is a culturally diverse community of over 80,000 residents.

The Troy Historic Village looks back to the past, offering visitors a unique chance to understand a way of life now gone. The Village is also proud to celebrate our current diversity, with programming that resonates with persons of all backgrounds. The counties of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne are all served by the Village, which contiunually pays tribute to the various needs and demographics of the region. Today, over 12,000 school children from these counties visit to travel back in time.